In this month’s article, I will explore why you need to be certified and the benefits of professional accreditation.

In today’s competitive job market, it is more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. One way to achieve this is through professional certification and accreditation.

Professional accreditation and certifications demonstrate your expertise and proficiency in a particular skill or field, which can make you a more attractive candidate, enable superior job performance, and often lead to career advancement.

These days, many employers are increasingly looking for marketers that have industry certifications as a way of showing that they are keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. It’s no longer a case of completing your university studies and the rest will ‘happen on the job’.

Although continuing professional education and certification programs are an investment of your time and resources, they are invaluable components of your career development and progression.

Here are the key benefits to keep in mind if you are intending to pursue professional certification or accreditation:

1. Validation of your skills and knowledge
2. Gain a competitive advantage
3. Career advancement
4. Boost your earning potential
5. Enhance your efficiency
6. Build your professional network

Let’s look closer at each benefit:

Validation of your skills and knowledge: Earning a certification indicates that you have met specific standards and possess a certain level of knowledge and skills. It provides third-party validation of your abilities, which can be valuable when applying for jobs. Third-party validation of skills from a professional certification is far more powerful than self-promotion and helps mitigate risk for employers.

Gain a Competitive Advantage: In competitive job markets, certifications can give you an edge over other candidates who do not possess them. They differentiate you by showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Increasingly, employers are looking for people who have demonstrated they are lifelong learners and who will be willing to grow their knowledge and stay up-to-date to meet the evolving needs of their organisation. What’s more, certifications can reduce the risk associated with hiring for a particular role or skill set as it can be difficult to determine a candidate’s level of competency during the interview process.

Career Advancement: Many organisations consider certifications when making decisions about career advancement. Holding relevant certifications and performing at a higher level can open the door to new and more significant responsibilities within an organisation.

Boost your earning potential: Certifications can positively impact your earning potential. Some employers offer higher remuneration to employees who hold relevant certifications due to their increased expertise and value to the organisation.

Enhance your Efficiency: The skills development, information and knowledge you gain through professional accreditation and certifications can provide you with up-to-date tools and strategies that will serve to guide and direct you in the execution of your role, allowing you to manage all aspects of your work more effectively and efficiently. And, of course, help enhance your job satisfaction.

Build your Professional Network: Pursuing certifications often involves engaging with a community of professionals in the same field. Particularly if you are a member of a professional industry association, such as the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI), where you can gain access to networking opportunities. This can be a valuable way for individuals to connect with others in their field, learn about new developments and trends, and expand their professional network.

Overall, you can establish your professional credibility – many employers may desire (or even demand) to employ individuals that have certain certifications from recognised professional bodies, such as the AMI. Certification demonstrates your commitment to superior professionalism, upholding industry standards and continuous learning. These merits can help boost your professional credibility and prestige within your own network, with your current employer and when pursuing new career opportunities.

By now, I hope that I have conveyed to you the key benefits and importance of Professional Certification and Accreditation. But how do you determine where to go to get the certifications that are right for you?

As a professional marketer the logical place to go is the Australian Marketing Institute.  The AMI offers a range of opportunities for professional marketers to undertake continuous professional learning, certification and accreditation.

AMI Credentials provides marketers with an opportunity to strengthen their professional brand with an Australian-recognised marketing certification in a range of skills. AMI credentials offer a new way to recognise the skills and knowledge that you already have through your current work experience and on-the-job training.

AMI Marketers’ Competency Framework enables you to identify and pursue personal development goals and accelerate your career progression. All our learning and professional development programs align with the AMI Marketers’ Competency Framework, so you can easily identify those relevant to your own personal development plan.

The AMI’s Certified Practising Marketer (CPM) is the leading certification standard for professional marketers in Australia. CPM accreditation recognises both formal education and the successful application of your marketing knowledge and practice. All CPMs are required to complete a minimum of 100 points of professional development over a one-year period as part of the Professional Maintenance Program (PMP) in order to retain their CPM status. Importantly, this helps you keep up-to-date with the latest developments in marketing and the skills required to meet these developments in the ever-changing marketing landscape.

Nowhere else in Australia can you get access to such a comprehensive career growth resource. To find out more, go to the AMI website www.ami.org.au

A final word: certification and accreditation are important ways for individuals to demonstrate their expertise and credibility, enhance job prospects and earning potential, network with others in their field, increase confidence and job satisfaction, and ensure ongoing professional development.

Whether you are just starting out in your career, or looking to take your skills to the next level, obtaining professional certification is a valuable investment in your future success. As a professional marketer, look no further than the AMI to help you take your career to that next level.